This original post is protected by copyright owner, Linda Saxon, the burg watch, and is not to be reproduced without permission.

It was the week before budget when all through the town,
No one was laughing, not even one clown.
The numbers were crunched, with precision and flair
But it was fruitless; the savings weren’t there.

The budget was presented, in a positive way,
Feedback was sought, in the form of a survey,
Who would listen? Who would care?
Surely cuts could be made somewhere.

Are rain barrels needed for the environment?
Of course, they are, says the government,
What about policing? What about that?
No, it’s too late; we’ve a 20-year contract.

The residents readied for impending doom
And waited for the meeting to begin on zoom,
There were no surprises, no good quotes
Taxpayers will react when they cast their votes.